Morikami Japanese Gardens & Museum

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach FL
Tuesday thru Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm

It was another gorgeous day here in South Florida--75 degrees and sunny--and too nice to stay indoors.  So Brian surprised me with a trip to the Morikami Japanese Gardens this morning.  We've been hearing from so many people that this is a must to check out, for its gorgeous gardens and its picturesque views.    

When we first walked through the doors of the museum out to where the gardens are, we were immediately looking out onto the large pond that the garden surrounds.  To the right at the start of the gardens tour is the James & Hazel Gates Woodruff Memorial Bridge, one of the main focal points of the gardens.  As we followed the tour around, we came across so many beautiful and unique sites--the giant white, neon orange, and striped coy fish that swam around at the base of a waterfall, the little armadillo roaming around the gardens and digging for insects, the flat garden with its perfectly raked swirls, and the "Shishi Odoshi" bamboo water feature.  Everything was just perfect, and peaceful at that.  

Admission is $13 per adult, but this is definitely one of those experiences that make it worth every penny. I mean, I must have taken 50 or more pictures on the trail.  Also, if you have a smart phone, there is an app you can download to listen to a guided tour.  This place will appeal to a variety of interests--for the educational aspect, gardening and landscaping enthusiasts, photographers, nature-lovers, and touristy people (like myself).

Rochester Public Market

280 Union Street North, Rochester NY 14609
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 6am to 1pm; Saturdays 5am to 3pm

Back in the Spring when I was still in upstate New York, I was introduced to one of the most eclectic and largest outdoor markets I've been to so far.  Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY is the Rochester Public Market.  From bright and beautiful flowers, freshly picked produce, and baked goods, to stands filled with an array of spices, chickens, goats and rabbits, and the indoor fish market (Tip: hold your breath when you walk by this section!) --this place is just huge.  It's nearly impossible to go home empty-handed.

Among my favorites include the many different choices of homemade pasta by the 1/2 lb from Flour City Pasta, bunches of locally grown rhubarb available in the summertime, and freshly sprouted herbs for sale.  Even more, you can catch local musicians spread throughout the market on any given day.  And horse-mounted police can be found around the market too!    

On one of the weekends at the market, I just happened to witness a local shopper haggling for a goat with the vendor at the animal stand, and I couldn't help but think that this is the first time I've EVER seen something like this.  In the middle of the city?! Only at the market!  

Make sure to stop into the local establishments that line the one side of the market while you are in the area, including Union Bakery and VM Giordano Imports European Cheese Shop.  Boulder Coffee is conveniently situated at the entrance to the market as well, so you can stop and grab a cup of your favorite hot or cold beverage before you peruse the shops.   

101st South Florida Fair

9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach FL
Open January 18 until February 3, 2013
Monday through Friday 12pm until 10pm
Saturdays and Sundays 10am until 10pm

It's opening weekend of the South Florida Fair! And because its a gorgeous day--and football isn't on until 3pm today-- I talked Brian into going to the fair for a little Sunday fun day.

There's something about these fairs that I just love.  The idea of fried ANYTHING, donut burgers, corn dogs, funnel cake with powdered sugar everywhere, the huge turkey legs, and anything else you can imagine that you wouldn't ever EVER eat any other time.  The bright lights and shrills of enjoyment coming from the sky-high rides.  The giant stuffed animals, noise makers, and plastic toys hanging high over the water gun-shooting, ring-tossing, baseball-throwing, and balloon-popping games.

We munched on a corn dog, chicken wings and kettle chips when we first got there (You know, the healthy stuff! Ha!)  After walking around and taking in all of the fair's happenings, coupled with some excellent people-watching, we tried our hand at a few games.  Brian played about 10 rounds of the baseball throwing game until he finally broke two bottles in a row to win a giant jamaican-looking stuffed toy monkey (I got 3 free shots on the house thanks to the guy manning the booth--however I clearly don't throw hard enough).  Next, we tried our best on the buckshot--shoot the entire red star out of the middle of the paper from a certain distance and win a prize.  I tried once--Brian tried about 15 times until winning a GIGANTIC smiling chili pepper wearing a sombrero (I tell ya, he is determined!) We didn't get to any rides, solely because the two prizes were getting kind of hard to hold!

The fair is going on until the beginning of February, and takes place every January for 17 fun-filled days.  I think we're planning on going back again within the next couple of weeks, I'm dying for a ride on the ferris wheel!

P.S...we came home and scared the daylights out of Brewster when we brought the prizes in the house.  He's being VERY cautious when he comes close to them right now--what a cutie patootie!

Cherry Republic

6026 Lake Street, Glen Arbor MI
Open Sunday through Thursday 9am until 5pm; Friday and Saturday until 7pm

It's a rainy and gloomy and, believe it or not, a chilly Saturday here in Southeast Florida, so I'm staying inside for the most part this afternoon.  For some reason I can't stop reminiscing of the trip Brian and I took back in June of last year to the upper Northwest portion of Michigan, or what I referred to it as the pinky of the state (Ha! Get it?! Oh boy I'm an odd duck...)

I don't think this trip could have been any more relaxing, wonderful, and perfect.  From the friendly people everywhere we went, to the absolutely stunning blue-green waters, to the calming and peaceful lake house we were staying at-- I am officially in love with this state.  It's just gorgeous.

While we were there, Brian's friend's mom suggested we stop at Cherry Republic if we get a chance to sample their cherry wine (tastings are complimentary!) We actually visited two of their locations while we were in Michigan--one in Glen Arbor, and the other in Traverse City--I recommend checking out both if you can.

My absolute favorite of the wines were the Balaton and their Cherry Hard Cider.  The Balaton--a red cherry wine that has that mulled wine flavor to it, giving you that warm fuzzy sensation with each sip, perfect for holidays or on a chilly day.  The hard cider was very similar in flavor, just with that hard cider twist to it.  We loaded up on bottles from here and a few other wineries as well, actually just finishing our last bottle very recently (pout pout sniffle sniffle).  

So on a chilly rainy lazy weekend, I find myself craving this wine, equally for the mulled spiced taste and for its ability to make you feel nice and cozy and relaxed...

Oh my gosh! I can't believe I almost forgot to mention their AMAZING line of sodas too, "Boom Chugga Lugga!," infusing the Michigan Cherry theme into the flavors.  I'm in love love LOVE with their Cherry Ginger Ale, slightly sweeter than regular ginger ale, and in a light pink hue.

P.S...I've just requested a catalog from these folks, so I think I'll be ordering some select beverages sooner rather than later...

The Beat Cup Cafe

660 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach FL
Open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm
Friday and Saturdays, 10 am to 3pm & 9pm to 2am

An eclectic little cafe off the beaten path--I just happened to stumble upon this fun little spot while in-between meetings today, thanks to a little Google searching and a super-grumbly tummy--and have to say that this is one of the most unique concepts I've seen so far while in South Florida.  As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn in by the industrial-esque exposed pipes and beams that line the walls and ceiling, the many pieces from local artists hanging throughout the space, the mini soundstage complete with a drum set, chalkboard menu boards hovering over the cafe counter, and a foosball table in the back corner.  To the left, an open doorway leads to a superbly awesome little salon, Salon Resta, that is connected to the cafe--an unexpected and creative feature that really adds to the charm and atmosphere to this place.

The Beat Cup Cafe

The restaurant is currently undergoing a menu change, removing some less popular items to make room for some new favorites so the selection was slightly limited for lunchtime--but I was more than impressed and my tastebuds very satisfied from what I ordered.  A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, bacon, chipotle mayo, and goat cheese between a toasted ciabatta roll.  To drink, a delicious 'cold brew' coffee with half and half, perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix.

They serve up hot and cold beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as breakfast and lunch.    A broad genre of musical talent can be enjoyed here on certain days of the week as well.

I love coming across gems like this--totally added to one of my new spots to frequent.

Boston's On the Beach

40 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach FL

Open Monday 11am-2am; Tuesday until 1am; Wednesday & Thursday until 12am; Friday until 2am

Saturdays 7:30am-2am; Sundays until 12am

Super dog-friendly and in a prime location--I've been here a few times now for both breakfast and lunch and have had a great experience each time.  On weekends they serve breakfast until 11am, and portions are very generous for the price.  To satisfy our need for sustenance after a night out celebrating the New Year, Both Brian and I each ordered the Beach Special--two eggs any way you like it, two blueberry pancakes, two breakfast potatoes, and toast, along with a tall glass of OJ all for just over $20 for the two of us.  Now I call that a deal!

[menu]

But one of the fun little features about this place, besides its perfect spot along A1A running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, is its Pooch Patio.  Bring your dog and sit out at one of the tables on the green street-level patio section.  The staff will bring your canine companion a giant bowl of fresh water on the house.  Treat your pup by ordering one of the items from the doggy menu, such as scrambled eggs or a 100% beef hot dog.  Of course, Brewster-man would barely touch his water, so he just laid under our table and enjoyed the fresh air.  What a silly little chicken.

Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade

Boynton Beach Inlet, Boynton Beach FL
Start of Parade  6:30pm

Tonight we went to the 42nd annual Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade--a truly unique annual holiday event.  A stream of more than a dozen boats of all sizes, strung up and decked out in bright and festive holiday lights and decor, all traveling from the Boynton Beach Inlet to the C-15 Canal in DelrayBeach.

We brought Brewster and watched the hour-long parade from the end of Promenade Park in Boynton Beach for prime viewing close to the Marina.  (Tip: if your dog is sensitive to sounds--you may want to leave 'em at home, or make sure you hold on to them tight--Brewster wasn't the happiest when some of the boats' horns sounded!)
So many different types of watercraft came floating down the canal--large boats lined with elegant twinkling white lights, crazy multi-colored lights, tiny little decorated boats.  One boat came floating down the canal with their passengers rocking out to Gangnam Style.  Definitely a fun little experience!

Happy Holidays!